I'm a single mother of two boys and had been a preschool teacher for many years. I always felt like I wanted more, so I began researching the medical field. One day I walked out of the grocery store, saw PMI's campus and decided to check it out. It wasn't long before I'd signed up for their medical assistant program. I was so anxious on my first day of class, but the instructors embraced me and made me feel comfortable. I enjoyed school and got involved with student government and looked for opportunities to help other students who were struggling.
I was assigned to the Physicians Surgery Center of ABQ for my externship. I was nervous and really didn't know what to expect. But, I knew my instructors had given me great instruction so I decided just to do my best. Within the first week they indicated they would be interested in hiring me upon completion of my externship. I was so proud and couldn't wait to go back and tell my instructors! I'm currently working there as a medical assistant and I not only help with the administrative side, but have even assisted in some surgeries.
Since the day I walked in the door, PMI has literally changed my life. Age is just a number and I plan to keep going and keep learning. Thank you PMI!
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When I first walked through the doors of Pima Medical Institute, life was a challenge! My husband was out of work, and we, along with our six-month-old baby, were living with his mother. Plus, I had dropped out of school at 5th grade and since my mother wasn't familiar with homeschooling, I taught myself at home through high school. Today, after completing four programs, we own a beautiful home, and our now eight-year-old daughter is thriving. Our lives have completely transformed. I'm a 5th grade dropout with a master's degree - nothing is impossible if you really want it.
I began with the nine-month Medical Assistant (MA) program. Balancing full-time work and school was tough-I cried many times on my drive to class-but I never gave up. I was determined to build a better life for my family. That determination drove me to continue my education, earning my associate degree in Health Care Administration (HCA), a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA), and eventually a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL).
Throughout this journey, I've worked and gone to school simultaneously. Thanks to the education and skills I gained at Pima Medical, I've never struggled to find opportunities. In fact, I've had the privilege of being selective about my career path. I've grown from being an MA to a referral coordinator, and now, I'm in my first management position-a role I secured a month before earning my master's degree. Each program at Pima Medical played a crucial role in my career progression. My master's degree, in particular, has been invaluable. As a clinic manager building a new practice from scratch, I've relied on the knowledge I gained every step of the way.
Thank you, Pima Medical Institute, for changing my life and helping me achieve my dreams. If only my first instructor, Ms. Lakeeta Garfield, could see me now. So often her words - "Be thorough," have run through my mind. I have strived to be thorough in everything I do and I have been successful.
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After high school I attended college for a while, but it just wasn't a good fit for me. I had an aunt who had been a dental assistant, so I moved to Denver, found Pima Medical Institute, and started their program. I was working full time and the classes were really difficult for me. I even ended up on probation. But the staff and instructors believed in me and pushed me and I did it!
When I started my externship I worked hard to learn the way the doctor liked things done. They wanted to update their office, so when they closed for vacation they gave me permission to reorganize and paint. I came in on my own time and painted the lab, brightened up the place, and reorganized. When the doctor returned, he was so happy he cried. Near the end of my externship they offered me a full time position. They were so grateful for my extra efforts, and they knew I didn't have the money, so they paid for me to fly me home to Mexico to visit my family!
Only a year ago I was uncertain, living in a new city, and looking for a job. Today, I am working full-time for an amazing employer who appreciates and cares for me. PMI is a great school and I'm thankful for all of the staff and instructors who pushed me to get to where I am today. It was a wonderful experience!
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I often tell people that Pima Medical Institute found me.
I had recently moved from my home in Gallup, New Mexico to live with my brother in Albuquerque. His wife was attending Pima Medical at the time and one day I went with her to drop off homework and ended up talking with the receptionist. When she asked me what I wanted to do with my life, I didn't really have an answer. She began telling me about students who had gone through their program and earned a career in a short time and how successful they had become. So, I decided to do it!
I really appreciated how from the moment you walked into Pima Medical, the classes were all set up and structured for you and the objectives were clear. I liked knowing the date I was going to finish when I began the program. I had a really good experience out in the field and was able to apply all I had learned in the classroom. At my externship, I had the opportunity to rotate through gynecology, urology, family practice, orthopedics, cardiology, endocrinology and surgical specialties.
I applied anywhere and everywhere because I needed to find a job right away. Lovelace was impressed by all the experience I had in my externship and hired me as a Medical Assistant for their endocrinology department. I have already completed many of my prerequisites and plan to continue my education in nursing.
As far as attending Pima Medical ... if you set your mind to it, you can do it!
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My cousin attended Pima Medical Institute's Dental Assistant program and one day she asked me to come by and be her "practice patient", so I did. I really liked what I observed and experienced at Pima Medical, so I started looking into their programs. I really enjoyed being a home health aide while in high school and as I learned about the Medical Assistant program, I decided it would be a good fit for me. I chose the Albuquerque West Campus because there are not as many students or programs and I knew I would enjoy the smaller atmosphere.
My instructors were really helpful and they taught me everything I needed to know in order to be successful as a Medical Assistant. I also made some really good friends. I was hired at the University of New Mexico Hospital shortly after completing my program. I enjoy being a Medical Assistant and I love talking with my patients and getting to know them while caring for them.
Eventually, I'd like to go back to school for nursing and UNM has offered to help me with tuition. My sister and my boyfriend see me coming from work and talking about my profession and both of them are considering coming to Pima Medical. I tell people all the time about Pima Medical and the start it has given me in the medical field.
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I am currently working as a Medical Assistant in the area of vascular surgery at the New Mexico Heart Institute and I love my job!
It wasn't very long ago that I was working a night shift security position where I was bored, felt like I wasn't getting anywhere and longed for a career. One night I started researching online looking for something in the medical field and Pima Medical Institute popped up. I simply completed a brief form and they called the next day. Before I knew it, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program. I was glad I didn't have a chance to second guess my decision.
Going back to school was challenging for me. I was still working security full time at night, going to school during the day and trying to find time to spend with my two-year-old daughter. That being said, Pima Medical provides everything you need to get started, including your uniform and backpack. I heard the passion in the voice of my first instructor when she spoke and it wasn't long before I fell in love with the medical field. I felt like there was no question whether we were going to succeed. Everyone at Pima Medical was so helpful.
When it came time for my externship, Pima Medical's career services department worked hard to place me at a site that fit my schedule and enabled me to continue working my security job. Being placed with a plastic surgeon was not my first choice, but I had an amazing experience and the doctor ended up recommending me for my current position at New Mexico Heart Institute. I'm so grateful for my new career!
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I was a stay at home mom for 18 years. When my oldest child headed to college I felt like I had lost my identity and purpose, but I just wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I knew I didn't want to be behind a desk and I enjoyed being on my feet and using my hands. So when I saw the commercial for the Dental Assisting Program and Pima Medical Institute, I decided it might be a fit for me.
It was somewhat intimidating going back to school when I was the oldest student in the class and it was certainly challenging having homework again while balancing family and home life. But, my instructor was helpful and cheered me on.
I felt very prepared, although extremely nervous, for my hands on externship experience. But I learned so much and it helped me understand that I really wanted to work in a specialty area of dentistry. I was initially hired at a general practice but soon found the place I really belonged; a periodontist office. I absolutely love it! I enjoy meeting and getting to know my patients. I have great coworkers and wonderful doctors who continue to teach me about their specialty. I love it all and am so happy!
Pima Medical has been so good in helping me go from "what's my purpose?" to "this is where I should be!" Finding that out and being happy where I am has been everything. It has done so much for me! Plus, my kids are really proud of me.
I love the patients!
It's different every day!
It's a lot of fun.
I love it! I'm so glad I did this!
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I had been a security officer for six years and was on leave for foot surgery. While my husband drove me to an appointment, I stared out the window feeling frustrated and miserable. Passing Pima Medical Institute, I saw - Dental Assistant Enrolling Now - and thought, I could do that. Within a week I was enrolled and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
I loved the structure and straight forward learning at Pima Medical. There's no fluff, everything is important. In fact, I never learned anything that I haven't used in my career. The support I received was amazing; everyone, from instructors to the janitor, is cheering you on and believing in you. While at my externship I learned of a new opportunity, and ended up stepping right into an administrative role as a benefits coordinator. Shortly after that, I enrolled in the Health Care Administration associate degree program.
Working full-time and going to school was manageable and I was able to take what I was learning and transfer it to my everyday job. After completing my associate degree, I began the bachelor's program. Once COVID hit, I took a position with the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corp as a Senior Administrative Officer at one of their care units. We took patients recovering from COVID to free up space in the hospitals for the more severe cases. It seemed everything I was learning in my online classes directly related to what I was working on, like writing policies, etc. Once I completed my bachelor's degree, I enrolled in the master's program. Each of the programs has built upon the knowledge I've learned in the previous program.
I was recently hired at Pima Medical as a part-time instructor. I love it! I say to my students - only five years ago, I was sitting in those chairs. Pima Medical has given me the tools I needed to change my life and I am so grateful!
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My story is a bit unique in the way I came to Pima Medical Institute. I was in the Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Brightwood College in 2018 when it suddenly closed its doors. Pima Medical was willing to take those displaced students, so without other options I decided to give it a go. Since Pima Medical didn't have a CNA program, I chose their Medical Assistant (MA) program.
My experience at Pima Medical was exceptional! I had great instructors and I felt like I got a fantastic education. One specific thing I really appreciated about the curriculum was that we were able to learn all different aspects of the roles of our profession. For example, although I've never worked as a front office MA, I was able to learn those roles and understand their responsibilities as well.
Two days after finishing my program, I was on a plane moving to Colorado. I began applying for jobs as soon as I got settled and had no trouble finding a position. I was hired as an MA at Pueblo Community Health Center where I will soon be celebrating five years. Currently, I am also completing prerequisites so I can go back to school to achieve my dream of becoming an RN.
Pima Medical Institute has great programs and amazing instructors! I would highly recommend them to anyone wanting a career in the medical field. If their location here in Colorado offered an RN program, I would already be signed up. I appreciate everything all of my instructors did for me and I wouldn't be where I am without them.
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When I decided to become a radiologic technologist, Pima Medical Institute's Radiography (RAD) program stood out to me. Unlike community college, I could start right away, and that was a big draw. The program was challenging, but the friendships I formed with my classmates kept me motivated and accountable. I really enjoyed my instructors, who provided both emotional and professional support.
The diversity of my clinical rotations was something I truly appreciated. I had the chance to practice my skills in a variety of settings, from a rural hospital to an orthopedic clinic, a large hospital, and even special procedure rotations. These experiences not only helped me decide which areas of radiography I enjoyed most but also pushed me out of my comfort zone, honing my skill set.
My first job was in urgent care, where I was the only tech on site. This role was invaluable for my growth. I had to rely on my education and critical thinking skills to obtain the best images possible. After years of working in different disciplines, I discovered my passion in Interventional Radiology and the Cath Lab. I became the lead tech in a Neuro Endovascular Lab, a role that eventually led me to join Rapid Medical Inc. as a Clinical Specialist. This position has been one of the best things to happen in my career, allowing me to travel, expand my knowledge, and contribute to patient care in a new way.
I'm incredibly grateful to Pima Medical Institute for their RAD program and the online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences (BSRS) program. Both provided a strong foundation that has allowed my career to flourish.
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After 25 years in restaurant management, I always knew I wanted to go back to school, but life kept getting in the way. In 2017, everything changed when I got very sick and ended up in the hospital for 10 days. One nurse, an older, highly skilled woman, was so inspiring that I thought, "If she can do this, so can I." Though I didn't want to be a nurse, I knew my management background could help me run a medical office. However, when I tried applying for receptionist jobs, I kept hearing the same thing-I needed medical experience.
That's when I decided to take a leap and enroll in Pima Medical Institute's Medical Assistant (MA) program. The nine-month program gave me the education I needed to get my foot in the door. It wasn't easy-after being out of school for 20 years, I had to relearn how to study and manage my time. But thanks to Pima Medical's support system and my fellow students, I got through it.
I landed my first job as an MA through my externship at Pima Heart. I soon enrolled in the online Health Care Administration (HCA) program, while moving up in my job and then continued into the Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration (BSHCA) program. Upon completion, I applied to administrative positions and was humbled to have 15 interviews scheduled. After considering numerous job opportunities, I chose to join Banner Health as a Practice Manager, overseeing a staff of 20 (with eight providers and 40 residents).
Pima Medical provided the education I needed to excel in the medical field. My instructors were there for me every step of the way. If you're considering going back to school, just do it! Choose Pima Medical and you will get the support you need.
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Back in 2005, I was working in Public Relations at National Jewish Health, the nation's #1 respiratory hospital, when I first discovered the field of Respiratory Therapy (RT). Fascinated by the work, I asked the Director of Respiratory who offered the best RT program. Without hesitation, he said, "Pima Medical Institute." My decision was made.
My time in the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical was incredible. The hands-on training during clinical rotations left me feeling fully prepared to enter the field. In fact, I had two job offers before I even graduated. Pima Medical's commitment to student success is unmatched-they're truly invested in 100% job placement, and it shows. Over the years, I've precepted students from many schools, and Pima Medical graduates consistently stand out as being the most prepared.
Today, I work at Craig Hospital near Denver, Colorado, a leading acute rehabilitation center specializing in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. I've built a new division within the department and now serve as the Respiratory Patient Education & Discharge Coordinator. My role involves training patients and their families to manage ventilators and tracheostomies at home, coordinating equipment and supplies, and often flying with patients across the country to ensure a smooth transition home.
In 2012, I was honored as Colorado Respiratory Therapist of the Year and in 2025, I received the National PHIL Award for Patient Advocacy.
I owe much of my success to Pima Medical Institute's exceptional program. To this day, I recommend it to anyone interested in Respiratory Care-it truly is the best!
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